In the past few years we have been seeing quite a few product releases ranging from software to hardware tools to help bridge the gap between a computer and a 3D printer. However, aside from the Microsoft Kinect or HP’s recent Sprout, having those functionalities built-in and marketed by a major hardware manufacturer is not something we’ve been seeing a whole lot of, if at all.

The camera, which will come as a standard option, will allow a user to scan an object in 3D, create a 3D model of the object, and allow the user to send the file directly to a 3D printer to be replicated, if desired. Otherwise, the object’s 3D model file can be used for further manipulation using a 3D CAD modeling program such as Rhino, SolidWorks, Z Brush, MODO or others.

At its core however, the laptop is being billed as a gaming laptop and the Intel RealSense camera will be able to scan a player’s physical human face, which could then be uploaded into a game to be used as an avatar or other application chosen by the game developers. The technology will also allow for games and applications to track a player’s head movements, facial expressions and hand gestures if they are applicable for the gameplay.

While the laptop is being marketed as a perfect laptop for gaming or creating 3D scans and other 3D content creation, it is also perfectly capable of functioning as a regular laptop for day-to-day use.

"Acer believes three dimensional computing offers unlimited potential for both professional and consumer uses," said Jerry Kao, president of Acer Notebook Business Group.

"Business applications include 3D modelling, mapping and architectural design, while the most popular consumer uses will likely include augmented reality gaming, and simple PC navigation and control."

Historically, Acer hasn’t necessarily been known for producing ‘firsts’ in the tech world, but with Intel having announced that they plan on incorporating a RealSense camera into other devices later this year including other laptops, tablets and smartphones, it will be only a matter of time before we’re capable of producing high-resolution 3D scans for 3D printing any time, anywhere.